JANAS & JANAS

In the matter of *Janas & Janas*, heard by Judge Kirton QC, the dispute concerned parenting arrangements for the child X. The father and mother were the parties involved. The central issue was whether the parents should have equal shared parental responsibility for decisions concerning the child's long-term welfare, despite serious allegations of domestic violence made against the husband, which he admitted.

The court was required to determine whether to grant equal shared parental responsibility for the child X, considering the father's admitted history of domestic violence. This involved balancing the child's best interests with the father's attempts to reform his behaviour and the potential benefits of both parents being equally involved in long-term decision-making.

The court reasoned that while the father's admitted domestic violence was a serious concern, his subsequent attempts to reform his behaviour were also a relevant factor. Applying the principles of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), the court found that it was in the child's best interests to grant equal shared parental responsibility. The court made detailed orders regarding X living with the mother and spending time with the father, including specific arrangements for school terms, holidays, and communication. Injunctions were also put in place to prevent harassment and the denigration of either parent in the child's presence, and to ensure the child's exposure to conflict was minimised.